Two problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2003 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota Corolla based on all problems reported for the 2003 Corolla.
I bought a brand new Toyota Corolla 2003 model in Nov 2002. Around a year and a half ago, it started producing an unusual sound whenever I hit the brakes. It has since progressed from a barely audible (except to the driver) "knocking" sound to,at some point, a very nerve-wracking "the car is going to break apart" kind of sound whenever the brakes were applied. I called the dealer to check if it was a common complaint and they said they never heard of a similar case. I also asked a former Toyota mechanic, now running his own private shop, to look at the problem; his only answer was that it was a common complaint for Corollas from 2003, since they re-designed the car that year. Even his own assistant mechanic had a later Toyota Corolla with the exact same issue, and they have given up trying to fix the problem. I have had several mechanics assess the sound, open up the brakes, recommend and changed pads, even rotors. The sound disappears when the brakes have been newly "opened" and taken down for cleaning, but after a week or so, the sounds return, although the mechanics have repeatedly told me that the car brakes work well and are safe. But don't the sounds indicate a problem in the brake system maybe? I only write now because of a news item this morning that said Toyota plans to recall Corollas for a brake-related problem.
Brake shoes, rotors and pads had to be replaced due to premature wear.